Spring Turkey Hunting Tips

Spring Turkey Hunting in the rain can yield great success. Like most birds, turkeys lack a strong sense of taste and smell. They make up for this with their keen eyesight and hearing capabilities. Turkeys have eyes on the sides of their heads which allows them to see with a 300-degree field of vision without even moving its head. turkeys also have a very acute sense of hearing and will flee at the slightest unusual noise.

With their keen eyesight and acute hearing, here are some tips and tactics you can use to bag a turkey in the wet weather. If you know where to go and why to go there, turkey hunting in the rain can provide great advantages.

From my experience, a light rain has had no effect on normal turkey patterns. A heavy downpour might force them under some type of cover, but a light gentle, all-day drizzle doesn’t bother them. They appear to ignore it for the most part. Let’s take a look at a few spring turkey hunting tips you should know for hunting in the rain.

Wear Proper Hunting Clothes

A turkey has keen eyesight, it is of utmost importance to conceal yourself with your surroundings and blend in, but it is also valuable to be comfortable for those long sits. Spring weather can bring warmer weather and lots of rain throughout a normal day. Be sure to check the weather conditions and prepare to wear rain gear to stay dry and comfortable. I prefer to wear frog toggs, they are perfect for rainy days, they are very comfortable, breathable and lightweight in case the weather breaks and you need to remove them. Whatever you prefer just remember to stay dry to be comfortable and blend into your surroundings.

Calling Tactics

When you are in the field turkey hunting in the wet weather, don’t be afraid to use some volume on your turkey call. Wind will not usually spook turkeys like it does deer, but it can cause them to be extra alert and cautious of their surroundings. Turkeys have a difficult time hearing when it’s pouring down and the wind is blowing, so don’t be afraid to let loose on that call.

Remember, they are very skittish animals, so if they look your direction when you strike your call, stay still and be ready. Turkeys can see the slightest movement, even the blink of an eye.

I like to be loud and make sure that my call can be heard on a rainy or windy day. When a tom responds to your call, raise your gun and get ready – anytime you hear a gobble on a rainy or windy day, he’s sure to be close.

Hunt The Open Fields

When the rain falls, turkeys seem to flock to an open field or pasture. The sound of the rain hitting the leaves throws off the turkeys sight and hearing. They are very skittish and will run away with the slightest bit of danger. The open field provides a much better field of vision to watch for predators. When it’s wet out turkeys would rather walk in short vegetation than underbrush and taller weeds so that their tail feathers won’t drag.

Use A Turkey Decoy

Decoys are a great addition to turkey hunting whether it’s raining or not. I usually set up with at least a Jake/Hen pair to drive that gobbler to me. A turkey might not be able to hear your calling because of the wind and rain, but they will be able to see your decoy in an open field much better giving you an opportunity you otherwise would never have. I prefer to use lifelike Avian X turkey decoys to give me an advantage, however, if budget decoys are all you have here are some tips to help make those decoys look more lifelike.

Be Ready And Stay Alert

While hunting Turkeys in the rain, it’s very hard for you to hear a turkey gobble. The sound of the drops falling on leaves and the wind create difficult conditions to hear. The sound of the rain hitting the roof of your hunting blind may be just enough to put you to sleep. You should always be alert. A turkey just might pop out behind you and you would never even know it.

(Founder) Michael is an avid hunter that enjoys sharing his experience to help others learn about hunting. He lives and breathes hunting and the outdoor lifestyle and wants to educate and entertain hunting enthusiasts all over the world!